Richard Marx rocks Dhaka audience

Richard Marx renders a song at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Tuesday. — New Age photo

Popular American singer Richard Marx made a lasting impression on the Dhaka audience by presenting a unique musical evening, one that they will never forget.The soft-rock singer, songwriter and longtime Billboard chart conqueror, in his first ever gig in Dhaka ruled the hearts of the music lovers by performing some of his timeless chart conquering songs like Right Here Waiting (1989), Satisfied (1989), Endless Summer Nights (1988) and others at Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Tuesday. Marx commenced the show singing his hit song Endless Summer Night. The song dealing with the rekindling of a romance was an instant attention grabber.What made the concert even more interesting as the audience joined voice with the singer in response to his request. ‘I am really excited to perform in my first ever concert in Bangladesh. I don’t know what rules are followed in the concerts here but today there will be no rules. You can dance, groove, you can do anything you like. So let us enjoy ourselves and party,’ Richard Marx said. As the concert progressed, the audience danced, hummed, grooved and even wept to the emotional lyrics of Marx’s songs. It was indeed an event where many memories were made thanks to the easygoing appeal of the programme, which is uncommon for events featuring international artistes in Bangladesh.The audience in united voice sang sentimental song Whatever We Started. Like a seasoned performer the singer kept the audience’s attention glued to the stage through timely interactions, sharing jokes and others which were no less entertaining than his songs.The viewers burst into laughter when Marx said, ‘When I landed in Dhaka I heard people saying that they grew up listening to my songs. All that made me feel really old.’Richard Marx made his debut in June 1987 with his self titled album Richard Marx. On to the Nights (1988), Endless Summer Nights (1988), Satisfied (1989), Should’ve Known Better (1987), Don’t Mean Nothing (1987), Now and Forever (1994), Angelia (1989), Hazard (1992) and Children of the Night (1990) are among his fan favorite songs.Marx recorded the song Save Me (2008) with his three sons-- all of them are talented musicians. To the delight of the audience, his three sons Brandon, Lucas and Jesse played guitar, keyboard and drums at the show via live video conference in the background while Marx sang the song on stage.Marx paid tribute to his fellow singer Luther Vandross by performing the duo’s hit track Dance With My Father (2003) at the show. The song won 2004’s Grammy Award as the song of the year.Local guitarist Kazi Faysal joined Marx on stage as he sang his 1992 hit track Hazard. Marx told the audience he had earlier seen Kazi Faysal’s video of playing one of Marx’s songs on YouTube and was amazed by his talent. Therefore, he invited Kazi Faysal to perform with him on stage.Next Marx went on performing his popular timeless songs like Satisfied, When You Loved Me (1996) and others.‘I have greatly enjoyed the show. Marx’s with his songs and charisma made the show memorable,’ Mobashher Khan, a doctor, told New Age.Creinse, a music and entertainment company, organised the event.